Warwick midwives praise job as an 'adventure'

THEY'RE the voice of reason during despair, strength during pain and an invaluable commodity to any birth day.

Sunday was International Midwives Day to appreciate the men and women working tirelessly to ensure safe arrivals of the world's newest additions.

Warwick midwives Ross Newton and Josephine Bell have shared in the life-changing moments of many Southern Downs families' lives.

The duo both say they were inspired to become midwives by a love for babies and are often found in the Hanlon Ward furiously debating which of them gets to be in the delivery suite or cuddle the newborns.

Their passion for their jobs is evident and Mrs Bell said her career was more than work. "It is so rewarding and I don't think it is just a job - it's a vocation," she said.

"I am there to offer support through the delivery of the child but also to form and environment of trust for the mother."

Mr Newton said one of the perks of working in a hospital the size of Warwick's was getting to share the entire journey.

"I get to be there before and after the baby is born - and then you go downtown and you see mums and their dying to show you how much the baby has grown and tell you how they are doing."

"You see the mums are appreciative of what you do because they do want to share those things with you."

Cards and chocolates from a new parent often brighten the midwives' days but both say it is feedback they love to receive most.

"We have a really good team and we are always trying to improve what we are doing," Mr Newton said.

"Birthing is such a special time and we want to make sure we are giving mums the best treatment."

While a delivery room could easily be perceived as a place of all business, Mr Newton said one should never doubt a labouring woman's ability to lighten the mood.

"I have heard some good jokes from the ladies on the nitrous," he joked.